The best way, by far, to get a link from an A List blogger is to provide a link to the A List blogger. As the blogophere has become more rigidly hierarchical, not by design but as a natural consequence of hyperlinking patterns, filtering algorithms, aggregation engines, and subscription and syndication technologies, not to mention human nature, it has turned into a grand system of patronage operated - with the best of intentions, mind you - by a tiny, self-perpetuating elite. A blog-peasant, one of the Great Unread, comes to the wall of the castle to offer a tribute to a royal, and the royal drops a couple of coins of attention into the peasant's little purse. The peasant is happy, and the royal's hold over his position in the castle is a little bit stronger.Actually, the best way to get a link from an A-List blogger is to start an interesting conversation with that blogger. Blogs are about conversation and you'd be hard pressed to find an A-List blogger who isn't interested in what you have to say. Granted, they may not comment - they may not make a reciprocal post - but catch their attention with a well-though out argument and your chances are improved.
The whole "self-perpetuating elite" thing sounds like Nick is still smarting over the Gillmor gang/Arrington fiasco. The majority of the A-Listers aren't full of themselves and are genuinely interested in what you have to say or questions you may have about something they said.
I agree with Doc Searls:
Sure, sometimes I'll link to something somebody's said about something I've said, but it's always either because the other writer said something interesting or because what they said moves a conversation forward. I never link for the sake of reciprocity alone, or to perpetuate any "elite".Instead of courting the A-List, be honest, genuine, original, thoughtful and well-organized. Your blog will start to get picked up and your ranking will rise.
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